Coquihalla Highway closed between Hope and Merritt Wednesday due to icy conditions

HOPE — Emil Anderson Maintenance, the highway maintenance contractor tasked with upkeep of Highway 1 in the Fraser Valley as well as Highway 3 and 5 east and north of Hope for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, reported Wednesday afternoon just after 4:15 p.m. that the Coquihalla Highway has been closed between Hope and Merritt.

The provincial contractor reported the highway closure on its Twitter page Wednesday (Dec. 21), citing dangerous road conditions between the two cities.

“Highway 5 is now closed between Hope and Merritt in both directions,” Emil Anderson wrote. “Icy road conditions with freezing temperatures are creating road hazards that are difficult to maintain and/or manage at this time.”

Motorists are asked to use Highway 1 or Highway 3. There is no estimated reopening date.